Pineapple Chicken (Good Fortune Comes A-Calling Chicken)

Pineapple Chicken

Hawaii was once a powerhouse in the pineapple industry. So much that it's hard to ignore the link. Whenever I see or think of pineapples, the word 'Hawaiian' pops into my head - Hawaiian Pizza, Hawaiian Chicken, Hawaiian Salad.

Would I consider this recipe to be a Hawaiian take? I think I prefer something closer to home, closer to my roots. Part of, at least.

Did you know that the pineapple is especially important to the Chinese during the Lunar New Year? Pineapple in Hokkien, Ong Lai, sounds closely like Prosperity Comes. This means that good luck or fortune is here or will befall soon. That is why pineapple tarts are high in demand during this time. Decorative pineapple lanterns are also hung up.

There is also the practice of rolling the pineapple into a new home. When you are moving into a new home, it is advised to roll a pineapple into the center to ensure that prosperity comes and flows to all corners of the house. Interesting? Yes, I thought so.

Considering how yummy I found this dish to be and the good things that have been coming my way these couple of months, I thought it'd be apt to call it Sharon's Good Luck Chicken. I'm being funny!

This recipe is a shortcut to a delicious meal. Yes, it's an easy dish.

Flavour-wise, it's savoury sweet. 

Pineapple Chicken (Good Fortune Comes A-Calling Chicken)

Ingredients:
- 325g chicken drummettes
- 1 can Ayam Brand pineapple cubes in syrup (454g)
- 1 large clove garlic (chopped)
- 1 red chilli (sliced)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
- Salt to taste
- Corn flour to thicken gravy (about 1 tsp mixed in 1 tbsp water)
- Cooking oil
- Some water

How-to:
Heat oil in pan. Saute garlic until lightly fragrant, then add the chicken. Brown the chicken little. Add pineapple cubes including the syrup into the pan. Pour in some water for a bit more gravy (1/2 cup or to preference). Season with salt. Give it a good stir, allow the water to come to a low boil. Stir occasionally, until the chicken is done.

Once the chicken is cooked, stir in sliced chilli and chopped coriander. Finally, stir in the corn flour mixture to thicken the gravy a little.

Pineapple Chicken

Enjoy with rice!